A new book capturing the rich history and intricate craft behind Coventry’s most treasured medieval artefact will be launched at a special event at St Mary’s Guildhall.
St Mary’s Guildhall is celebrating the release of The St Mary’s Hall Coventry Tapestry: Weaving the Threads Together, with a launch event on Thursday, September 26.
The book, edited by Mark Webb, sheds new light on the early sixteenth-century tapestry, which is displayed in the Great Hall at St Mary’s Guildhall.
The Coventry Tapestry is over 500 years old and is thought to be the oldest tapestry still in its original place in Britain.
It has long been regarded as one of the city's greatest historical treasures, but much of its story has remained untold—until now.
The book compiles the results from a 2019 conference and additional findings around its iconography including King Henry VI and Queen Margaet of Anjou, as well as insights into the venue’s architecture and early 16th Century city life.
Mark said “This unique wool and silk Flemish tapestry has been long been known to historians but nothing new has been added to our understanding for the past 100 years. Thanks to the 2019 conference and subsequent scientific and documentary research, we can now say that it is one of the most significant Renaissance tapestries in Europe.”
Abi Moore, heritage and venue manager at St Mary’s Guildhall said: “We are incredibly excited about this book as it takes an in-depth look at one of the most historically significant artefacts anywhere in the city.
“The publication of this work will help shine a light on the Coventry Tapestry, St Mary’s Guildhall and the city, and we can’t wait to help share the findings.”
The book features contributions from leading experts who explore the tapestry’s origins, its connection to Coventry’s medieval past, and its restoration with stunning high-resolution photographs.
Joining Mark on an expert panel at the launch will be contributors Dr Joanna Laynesmith, Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Reading, Dr Johnathan Foyle, Lecturer in Architectural History and Building Conservation at the University of Bath and Wendy Toulson, who trained in textile conservation at the Textile Conservation Centre, Hampton Court Palace. The launch event at St Mary’s Guildhall has kindly been funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund thanks to National Lottery players to help reduce barriers to accessing the heritage attraction.
Attendees will be able to purchase the book and enjoy refreshments.
To book tickets visit https://stmarysguildhall-tickets.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows